European markets set to open mixed as investors digest fresh economic data; German inflation falls

European markets are expected to open mixed on Friday as investors analyze corporate earnings and await economic data. German inflation fell to 3.1% in January, while Italy will report industrial output data. Asian markets saw Japan’s Nikkei reach a 34-year high, but others were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. In the US, futures were lower after the S&P 500 hit 5,000 for the first time. Earnings are expected from Unilever, Societe Generale, Maersk, Siemens, and Adyen. Nintendo’s stock could rise by over 30% in the next year if its anticipated console succeeds. Portfolio manager Carla Bänziger suggests investing in a particular European index with decent valuations during uncertain periods. She shares six stock picks.